I can't help but feel this is a type of cap circumvention, its clear what the intent is, to get to the floor, even though its known that Thomas isn't playing this year.....yes, im still butthurt about the kovy penalty.

God do I hate the islanders. Way to let Boston (arguably the best team in the east) free up 5 mil in cap space. Now they can prolly pick up a piece or two at the deadline. On top of that why not trade for a player that u will be able to use! I get they needed to hit the floor but do it in a better way, jeez

Can't believe they threw away a 2nd round pick just to get to the cap floor. Surely there were better options..

I believe it has to do with the fact that the Bruins still have to pay Thomas's full $5 mil contract because it was an over 35 contract. So Garth Snow and the Isles take on the full cap hit without actually having to shell out any dough. That's how I understand it anyway, but somebody else can feel free to correct me if I have it wrong.

I believe it has to do with the fact that the Bruins still have to pay Thomas's full $5 mil contract because it was an over 35 contract. So Garth Snow and the Isles take on the full cap hit without actually having to shell out any dough. That's how I understand it anyway, but somebody else can feel free to correct me if I have it wrong.

No they don't have to pay, since Thomas is in violation of his contract and is suspended. His cap hit is still on the books however because it's a 35+ contract. So the Islanders get a $5 Million cap hit at the cost of $0. If Thomas never shows they can keep suspending him and roll over his contract to the next season and get the $5 million cap hit for the next 8 years until the next CBA fixes this loophole.

Also McKenzie says the compensation is conditional on Thomas showing, so if Thomas never reports to an NHL team for the next two years, the Islanders give up nothing. If he reports to the NHL the Islanders owe a 2nd round pick to the Bruins.

Devils easentially did the same thing with Malakhov so I wouldn't be calling for cap circumvention on this one.

Not quite, the Devils weren't trying to circumvent the floor of the cap. Which cuts into the players portion of HRR. This is appalling on many levels. I can't believe that the players wouldn't grieve this.